GENERIC NAME: methylphenidate
BRAND NAME: Ritalin, Ritalin SR, Ritalin LA
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Methylphenidate is a
medication that
stimulates the central nervous system (brain) in a manner that
is similar
to the amphetamines; however, its actions are milder than those
of the
amphetamines. An additional difference is that methylphenidate
produces
more noticeable effects on mental activities than on motor
activities.
Methylphenidate and amphetamines both have abuse potential. In
treating
children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
methylphenidate produces a calming effect. This results in a
reduction in
hyperactivity and an improvement in attention span.
Methylphenidate was
approved by the FDA in 1955.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets (round): 5, 10, and 20 mg.
Also available are sustained-release tablets of 20 mg (Ritalin SR) as well as long acting tablets of 20, 30, and 40 mg (Ritalin LA).
STORAGE: Tablets should be kept at room temperature, 15-
30°C
(59-86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Methylphenidate is used in the
treatment of
narcolepsy (uncontrollable sleepiness) and in the treatment of
children
with ADHD.
DOSING: The dose of methylphenidate is adjusted based on
patients' responses. It may be given once, twice, or three
times
daily. Ritalin LA is given once daily.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: The CNS stimulation effects of
methylphenidate can be additive when used with other chemicals
and
medications that stimulate the CNS, such as caffeine (in
coffee, tea, or
cola drinks), and pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine (in
many
cough-and-cold preparations). The combination of
methylphenidate and
monoamine oxidase inhibitors, for example, isocarboxazid
(Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and procarbazine
(Matulane), should be avoided since a hypertensive crisis
(severely high
blood pressure) may occur. Therefore, methylphenidate should
not be given
to any patient within 14 days of receiving such an inhibitor.
The blood
pressure lowering effects of medications used to treat
hypertension may be
reduced by methylphenidate. As a result, blood pressure needs
to be
monitored when starting or stopping methylphenidate in patients
who are
receiving blood pressure medicines.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of
methylphenidate in
pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not
known if methylphenidate is secreted in breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects with
methylphenidate
are nervousness, agitation, anxiety, and insomnia. Insomnia can
be limited
by taking the drug before noon. For children taking
methylphenidate for
ADHD, the most common side effects are loss of appetite,
abdominal pain,
weight loss, and sleep problems. The rate and severity of these
side
effects are less than that seen with dextroamphetamine
(Dexedrine). Other
side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, palpitations,
headache,
involuntary movements, chest pain, increased heart rate,
increased blood
pressure, and psychosis.
There have been rare reports of Tourette's syndrome, a
syndrome in which
there are uncontrollable tics such as grimacing. Because of the
potential
for the side effects listed above, methylphenidate should be
used with
caution by patients who have relatives with Tourette's
syndrome or
have the syndrome themselves or who have severe anxiety,
seizures,
psychosis, emotional instability, major depression, glaucoma,
or motor
tics. Sudden discontinuation of long-term methylphenidate
therapy may
unmask depression. Gradual withdrawal, under supervision, is
recommended.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- Sleep - Read about how to get a healthy nights sleep, how much sleep is enough, and why skimping on sleep can lead to poor performance, health, and moods. Source:Government
- Fragile X Syndrome - Read about Fragile X syndrome (FXS or Martin-Bell syndrome) causes, signs, symptoms, and treatments. Learn the facts about the most common inherited form of mental retardation. Source:Government
- Narcolepsy - Source:MedicineNet
- Read 37 more methylphenidate related articles ...
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Back to Medications IndexLast Editorial Review: 3/9/2003
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